AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has suggested this year will see the first twilight grand final, based on “broad acceptance” by fans.

McLachlan said a final AFL commission decision on the change would come either side of round one, foreshadowing a shift to a later start time by a couple of hours.

“There are still traditionalists that would always like to see the game stay the same but there are an increasing number of people who can see the opportunity in looking at a twilight grand final,” he told reporters on Thursday.